Edinburgh City 1 Montrose 3: Iain Campbell hopes stunning goal will help him stay on

Well-travelled Montrose defender Iain Campbell is currently looking to extend his short-term contract with the Links Park club.

The 32-year-old will have done his chances of an lengthier deal no harm whatsoever after helping securing three points for his side with a stunning goal in their impressive opening-day League Two victory over Edinburgh City at Ainslie Park.

“My contract expires towards the end of August and I’m looking to stay on here” said Campbell, as he reflected on the freekick he curled past City keeper Calum Antell in the early stages of the second half.

“Hopefully, the goal will help.

“I have scored a couple like that in my time and I just seemed to catch it really well.”

Campbell’s strike came after Montrose had dominated the first half, taking a 2-0 lead into the interval following an opening goal from Chris Templeman, whose speculative 25-yarder appeared to deceive Antell, and a second from Connor McLaren, who netted from close range after Antell had parried Chris Johnston’s initial effort.

Templeman saw another long-range effort strike the crossbar just before half-time and after Campbell had extended the Gable Endies’ lead a minute into the second half, any remote hopes of a fightback from the capital club were eradicated when defender Shaun Harrison was red-carded after reacting angrily to a challenge from Liam Callaghan, although Lewis Allan did score a late consolation for the demoralised Citizens.

“We took our foot off the gas later on” acknowledged Campbell.

“Edinburgh played well in the early stages but we were always comfortable and goals change games.

“It was disappointing to lose a goal late in the game but in the end it was a solid three points for us.”

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